Dear The Villanovan,
My dad’s favorite number has always been three, much to my dismay. I like when things are even, precise and perfect. However, over my time at Villanova and within The Villanovan, I have begun to understand what makes the number three so special.
On May 3, 2023, the final edition of the 2022-2023 school year was published, and I had a conversation with former Editor-in-Chief Colin Beazley. He said, “I promise, your hard work does not go unnoticed,” and for the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere on campus.
That conversation was one of the motivating factors that encouraged me to apply for the position of Co-News Editor at the end of my third semester on campus. On Dec. 3, 2023, I received an email stating that I was selected to be one of the three news editors for the 2024 year.
That team of three was the best introduction to the editorial staff I could have asked for. Nicole Liddicoat, Finn Courtney and I came in ready and passionate. Sitting with those two under the Villanovan calendar at production on Tuesday nights quickly became my favorite part of the week.
But I cannot say that it is just Nicole and Finn who made that first year of Tuesday nights so memorable.
It was the laughter, the smiles and the music. It was the late nights that turned into early mornings, and it was all my co-editors who pushed me to be the best version of myself.
It takes a village, as well as a lot of Diet Coke and CampCo, and as time went on, that village changed and grew. Brooke Ackerman and Nicole assumed the roles of Editors-in-Chief, and I stepped into the position of Associate EIC in 2025. This EIC dream team, with three extremely different people, is connected by our passion for the paper.
Brooke and Nicole quickly became two of my favorite people ever. I will always cherish the almost all-nighters that we spent in the office, during which we grew closer and closer, especially in our “delusional hours.” As time has gone on, I cannot imagine my college experience without the friendship I have gained from the two of them.
Then, in the blink of an eye, Jan. 2026 hit, and I went back to the semicircle with the other staff writers, where it all began three years prior. The name attached to my articles changed from Lauren Armstrong, Staff Writer, to Co-News Editor, to Associate EIC, to Senior Columnist, a little too fast for my liking. I was also lucky enough to witness Kailey Fahy, Dylan Johnson and Sophie Latessa begin their EIC team journey that changed Brooke’s, Nicole’s and my lives.
Throughout my sophomore, junior and senior years, my college experience transformed in ways I did not know would be possible. From our publication breaking national and local news (multiple times) to producing multiple magazines and more stories than I can count, this paper has impacted my life and the lives of others throughout the Villanova community.
The Villanovan has helped shape me into the person I am today. Yet, it was not only the weekly physical papers that had that impact. It was the people within the walls of the Corr Basement, where I think I have spent more time than my own dorms over the past three years.
It was also building connections with our advisors, Cat Coyle and Mr. Bradley. Cat, who continues to help answer every question I may have, and Mr. Bradley, whose passion inspired me to declare a journalism concentration, have shaped my college journey more than they may know.
All in all, it was that sense of community that I had yet to find at Villanova until I joined The Villanovan staff.
So, maybe my dad was right. Which is unfortunate, because I hate being wrong. The number three truly is special, and I cannot imagine spending the last three years anywhere other than Corr Hall. As the saying goes, good things come in threes.
To the editors, staff writers, advisors and everyone impacted by the paper, thank you for being my forever Villanovan family.
Rush The Villanovan, it may just become the best decision you will ever make.
With love always,
Lauren Armstrong
